Irma the Body

Irma the Body was an American burlesque performer and headline attraction active mainly during the 1940s and 1950s. She was known for a statuesque physique and for the classic striptease-era burlesque circuit.

Her stage appeal centered on glamour, physical presence and the show-business publicity style of mid-century burlesque. She became a recognizable name even beyond the individual clubs where she performed.

No. She belonged to the earlier American burlesque tradition of the 1940s and 1950s, decades before the neo-burlesque revival associated with performers such as Dita Von Teese.

The nickname highlighted the statuesque physical image that was central to her public persona. It reflects the way burlesque promoters marketed headline performers during that period.